Offaly represented at EU presidency launch event in Brussels

Offaly was given a special mention during an event in Brussels on Wednesday to mark the launch of Ireland's six-month presidency of the Council of Europe.

Representatives of various Irish regions attended the launch event in the European Commission offices, including Independent Tullamore councillor Sean O'Brien who was representing the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly as an Offaly County Council delegate.

"I was delighted to attend this event and to hear of the special mention of Offaly's link to the official logo for the Irish Presidency," said Cllr O'Brien.

"The official logo represents an image of the Comet Nebula, which was first captured by the famous telescope at the Birr observatory many years ago.

"Offaly is officially twinned with Belgium during the presidency and I was delighted to meet the Irish Ambassador to Belgium, Kevin Conmy, at the event," Cllr O'Brien added.

"He informed me that he will have an official visit to Offaly on October 5, when he will host events in schools and libraries. He will also visit Birr to view the famous Birr observatory.

Cllr O'Brien added that the event on Wednesday featured an exhibition of products and services from Ireland that he was delighted to see the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programme from Offaly County Council present with an official stall.

"This programme is so successful with schools in Offaly and many schools have competed in international events with great success.

"It is great to see Offaly feature at these events and I look forward to the visit of Ambassador Kevin Conmy in October to further enhance our county," concluded Cllr O'Brien.